Dr. Samer AbuRumman

Biography

**Dr. Samer Abu Rumman** is an international researcher and expert in public opinion research, civil society, and humanitarian action. He is the author of dozens of books and research studies and has written hundreds of articles on a wide range of social, political, and development issues. He currently serves as a **Visiting Professor** at the **Schar School of Policy and Government** at **George Mason University**, while also working as a consultant to the **United Mission for Relief and Development (UMR)**. In addition, he represents non-governmental organizations at the **United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)** in New York and serves as a member of the **Scientific Committee of the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies** at **Kuwait University**.

Projects

He has also held several advisory and research positions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, most notably:
* Advisor to the **GCC Standardization Organization (GSO)** in Riyadh.
* International Consultant at the **National Center for Social Studies (NCSS)**.
* Advisor to the **Prince Sultan Chair for Youth Research** at **King Abdulaziz University**.
* Head of the Research and Public Opinion Polling Unit and Advisor at the **International Center for Research and Studies (Madad)**.

Achievements

He founded and directed World of Opinions (WoO) in Jordan, Kuwait, and the United States, where he led the implementation of dozens of research projects and public opinion surveys, including multiple waves of the Arab Barometer survey in Kuwait in collaboration with Princeton University.
He also served as a Visiting Researcher at Princeton University for two years, during which he prepared research reports and contributed to the authorship of Global Philanthropy Environment Index reports at Indiana University, covering a number of countries.

Participation

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Samer has published numerous studies and research papers related to Saudi Arabia, covering a wide range of topics including endowments (waqf), charitable and volunteer work, youth issues, and public opinion. Among his most notable publications are *Grant-Making Associations Through the Eyes of Charitable Organizations in Saudi Arabia* and *What Did They Tell Us? Priorities and Concerns of Gulf Youth*. He also authored the book *How Saudis Think*, which was based on the findings of surveys he supervised.
In addition, Dr. Samer supervised the **“Jordanian Pilgrims’ Opinions Survey – Pilgrims’ Opinion Index,”** conducted by **World of Opinions (WoO)** to assess pilgrims’ views regarding the 1439 AH (2018) Hajj season through a statistically rigorous and professionally designed survey methodology. The study examined both the positive and negative aspects of the Jordanian pilgrims’ experience, highlighting procedures and practices that enhanced the spiritual benefits of performing Hajj while also identifying the major challenges encountered by pilgrims and assessing their awareness of the authorities responsible for addressing those issues.
The survey further explored changes in pilgrims’ perceptions regarding public safety and security during the Hajj season and identified key strengths in the management and organization of Hajj operations. The Pilgrims’ Opinion Index was designed to provide decision-makers and officials responsible for Hajj affairs with evidence-based insights derived from pilgrims’ feedback—both positive and negative—to support continuous improvement across various aspects of Hajj services and administration.